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Red & Black - Sept/Oct. 2013

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The September/October 2013 issue of the Red & Black newsletter, published by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.

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By Erick Reid, Rho Mu (Norfolk State) ’08,National Collegiate Representative

Greetings Brothers!As always I am happy to be able to

speak with you through this edition of theRed & Black. It has been an eventful sum-mer for the Fraternity and I hope that youall are preparing for a great fall semester!

I am sure many of you have heardfrom the many Facebook posts, Twitterfeeds, and Instagram pictures of the excit-

ing and successful Leadership Institute that took place this sum-mer. If you were unable to attend I can say you missed out on avery rewarding experience. Over 200 brothers met on the campusof University of Southern Indiana and participated in many activi-ties that would not only enrich their collegiate experience asSinfonians, but also life experiences as well. Brothers BrianStratton and Rusty Shields directed an awesome edition of theMen of Song Chorus that made it absolutely impossible to holdback tears. Those brothers sounded as if they had been singingtogether for many years. In actuality, they produced that perform-ance in less than two whole days! Along with great music, weexperienced some amazing presentations from many brothers thatgave us insight on the challenges they faced during the early yearsof the Fraternity and equipped us with tools to ensure we don’trepeat those struggles. I would like to thank Brian Stratton, EdKlint, Richard Crosby, John Mongiovi, and Mark Lichtenberg forsharing their experiences with us. You all planted the seed that willbear much fruit. Along with these brothers, we were given theopportunity to learn from Brother Winston Scott, an accom-plished astronaut, and one of the nation’s top composers as well,

Brother Michael Colgrass, who guided us through an amazingcomposition project that could be used at just about any age level.So as you can see, we had an amazing experience at LeadershipInstitute.

My heart has been extremely heavy from the loss of somebrothers who I knew personally and others who I may not haveknown on a personal level. But I know we witnessed the sameRitual and wore the same pin, so I consider them family. I extendmy condolences to the family of Dr. Bill Gibson, who was myhigh school band director and one of my role models. Dr. Gibsonencouraged me to continue to press forward in whatever obstacle Ifaced as a young leader. I also extend my thoughts and prayers tothe family and friends of Dr. Carl Harris, Jr. Dr. Harris was lovedby many musicians worldwide and left a mark on many youngmusicians at Hampton University and Norfolk State University. Iwill also like to express my condolences to the family of BrotherCasey Kane. Brother Kane was a member of the Zeta Psi chapterat East Carolina University. Although I did not know this brotherpersonally, I could tell by the many Facebook posts that he was anawesome brother! Cherish those brothers that you encounter on adaily basis. And reach out to those who you may have crossedpaths with and haven’t spoken to in a while; they are only a phonecall, text, or Facebook message away.

Once again, good luck on this fall semester, be safe and I willsee you all at Fireside South. Plans are underway to make this agreat event and I hope you will join us!

In the Spirit of Phi, Mu, and Alpha,Erick Jamar ReidNational Collegiate Representative

Page 2

From the National Collegiate Representative

Leadership Institute - 4

PG Appointments - 10

Follow Us:facebook.com/phimualphasinfonia

@phimualphaissuu.com/sinfoniahq

Phi Mu Alpha is a member of, supporter of or affiliated withthe following organizations: American Classical Music Hall of

Fame, Barbershop Harmony Society, Drum CorpsInternational, Fraternity Communications Association,

National Association for Music Education (NAfME) MusicPolicy Roundtable, National Association of Music Merchants

(NAMM) Support Music Coalition, and NationalInterfraternity Music Council.

Volume XXX Number 1 Sept/Oct 2013

The Red & Black is the collegiate newsletter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity

Cover Photo: Brian Stratton leads the Men ofSong Chorus at Leadership Institute 2013.

photo by Benjamin Strack

Page 3

This is the winning entry from the 2011/2012 t-shirt design contest.Top prize was a free trip to the 2012 National Convention, where it

debuted in the Sinfonia Store. It is one of our best-selling items.

Can you top it?

www.sinfonia.org/designcontest

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- Brian Stratton, Delta Omega 1979, Alpha Alpha 2

Reflections from Lead

Vice President Mark Lichtenbergat Leadership Institute 2013.photo by Ben Strack

n initiation into our beloved Sinfonia, we all receive the same set of documents. Within these is containedmost important phrases in our vocabulary. No, it is not on your shingle, nor is it the Great Object of ourRather is it the idea of “Working for Sinfonia.”what does it mean to truly work for Sinfonia? Is it enough to go to meetings or attend chapter and nationalt enough to sacrifice time and effort for the sake of the Fraternity? Or is it something much deeper and farerious. Most Brothers believe working for Sinfonia is just that, working on behalf of the name Sinfonia.her contemplation, we can grasp the full measure of this phrase. fonia does not last a mere four years, but rather a lifetime. We represent Sinfonia long past that momentittersweet lyrics of “Farewell to You My Brothers” echoes through the halls of our Alma Mater. You will rep-

onia for the rest of your life, whether you are wearing our letters or not. And that, my Brothers, is theof understanding what it means to work for Sinfonia. daily actions are founded on the concept that we are solvers of discord and priests of melody. We strive tovirtues set forth from our elder Brother, and for the glory of Sinfonia. Working for Sinfonia does not mean

ather, it means to live. Not coincidentally, the same famous quote that instructs us to work for Sinfonia, alsos to live for Sinfonia. k closer Brothers. The inscription does not end with “work for Sinfonia,” but more importantly thatill work for you. And what shall be your reward? It may be material, financial or personal gain, but most ofof life. When we live by our ideals, we find life to be grander. We find that inspiration too deep for idlefind that exalted experience. We find the very essence of Sinfonia.

sh to leave leave you with the closing remarks from Brother Stratton’s “All For One” presentation:

h day that you live in this world become a full and endless measure of doing your best for everyone you encounter.ryone’s path, make your path, make your Brother’s path one that is filled with music, with joy and with a love ofSinfonia burn in your hearts. May the lights of Phi, of Mu and Alpha burn deeply into your heart. And you livey by its ideals and by its marks. May the lights of Sinfonia be yours, from now, hence forth, and forever more.”

work for Sinfonia means to live for Sinfonia. Go forth Brothers, and Long Live Sinfonia!Ryan J. Smallwood, Tau (Kansas State) 2008

n initiation into our beloved Sinfonia, we all receive the same set of documents. Within these is containedmost important phrases in our vocabulary. No, it is not on your shingle, nor is it the Great Object of ourRather is it the idea of “Working for Sinfonia.”what does it mean to truly work for Sinfonia? Is it enough to go to meetings or attend chapter and nationalt enough to sacrifice time and effort for the sake of the Fraternity? Or is it something much deeper and farerious. Most Brothers believe working for Sinfonia is just that, working on behalf of the name Sinfonia.her contemplation, we can grasp the full measure of this phrase. fonia does not last a mere four years, but rather a lifetime. We represent Sinfonia long past that momentittersweet lyrics of “Farewell to You My Brothers” echoes through the halls of our Alma Mater. You will rep-

onia for the rest of your life, whether you are wearing our letters or not. And that, my Brothers, is theof understanding what it means to work for Sinfonia. daily actions are founded on the concept that we are solvers of discord and priests of melody. We strive tovirtues set forth from our elder Brother, and for the glory of Sinfonia. Working for Sinfonia does not mean

ather, it means to live. Not coincidentally, the same famous quote that instructs us to work for Sinfonia, also to live for Sinfonia.

k closer Brothers. The inscription does not end with “work for Sinfonia,” but more importantly thatll work for you. And what shall be your reward? It may be material, financial or personal gain, but most ofof life. When we live by our ideals, we find life to be grander. We find that inspiration too deep for idlefind that exalted experience. We find the very essence of Sinfonia.

sh to leave leave you with the closing remarks from Brother Stratton’s “All For One” presentation:

h day that you live in this world become a full and endless measure of doing your best for everyone you encounter.ryone’s path, make your path, make your Brother’s path one that is filled with music, with joy and with a love ofSinfonia burn in your hearts. May the lights of Phi, of Mu and Alpha burn deeply into your heart. And you livey by its ideals and by its marks. May the lights of Sinfonia be yours, from now, hence forth, and forever more.”

work for Sinfonia means to live for Sinfonia. Go forth Brothers, and Long Live Sinfonia!Ryan J. Smallwood, Tau (Kansas State) 2008

k for you.for you.

2010

dership Institute 2013

Page 6

Leadership Institute 2013 Photo Album

Brother Winston Scott S, Epsilon Iota ’70,presenting to attendees.

Brother Michael Colgrass S, Alpha Alpha2013, receiving his Signature Sinfonian award.

Sinfonian Field Games!

Brother Ed Klint, Alpha Xi ’78, deliveringhis moving keynote address. You can read

his full speech atwww.sinfonia.org/li2013keynote

Page 7

Garrett A. Lefkowitz, Beta Iota (Albion) ’08, has been hired as Retreat Coordinator andPrograms Associate (RCPA) for the 2013-2014 academic year.

Lefkowitz is currently finishing his Master’s Degree at Ohio State, where he will graduatein May. He has been involved with Sinfonia in numerous roles, at both Beta Iota and Beta Xiin various officer positions, as ACPR of Province 3, and a member of the national AmericanMusic Program Committee.

“We were glad to have a tough decision [for RCPA],” said National President JohnMongiovi, “and feel confident that Garrett will do a fantastic job and will be a strong asset to

the National Headquarters team.”Brother Lefkowitz may be reached via email at [email protected]. Messages of congratulations are

encouraged!

Lefkowitz Hired as Retreat Coordinator & Programs Associate

Valdosta State University

Valdosta State Universityf

Schedule your retreat today, at www.sinfonia.org/retreats!

View the new Retreat Planning Guide atwww.sinfonia.org/retreatguide.

Phi Mu Alpha has renewed the American Music Challenge to the Fraternity'scollegiate chapters. This contest, which awards cash prizes totaling $1,800, seeks toencourage enthusiastic pursuit of the Fraternity's commitment to advancing musicin America.

We are pleased to announce that the three chapters of our Fraternity that per-form the most American music in the 2013-2014 school year will receive cashprizes in the amounts of $800, $600, and $400. It is our hope that Sinfonia’sstrongest chapters in music will use these funds to build upon their successes andbecome centers for the promotion of the best in American music on their campus-es, in their communities, and in the nation. This past year, the top prize of $800was won by the Upsilon Phi Chapter at Truman State University! Second place,winning $600, was the Pi Upsilon Chapter at Colorado State University.

To take the challenge, simply save documentation of all American music performed by your chapter or collegiate mem-bers of your chapter during the 2013-2014 school year, and submit it with the signed Application Form so that your docu-mentation is postmarked no later than May 31, 2014.

We hope that all brothers and chapters will take this opportunity with enthusiasm to advance our noble Sinfonian idealto voice the music of our land.

www.sinfonia.org/amc for more.

American Music Challenge Renewed for 2013-2014 School Year

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Rho Lambda Chapter Univ.of Missouri-St. Louis • St. Louis, MO

It is with great pleasure that we announce thatwe are currently celebrating our fifth year as anactive chapter. Not onlyhave we made it to thismilestone, but we haveworked hard this pastsemester in order to make itworth fighting for. As achapter we made it our per-sonal goal to expand ourpresence throughout the University of Missouri-St.Louis campus. We did a mixer with UMSL’s chap-ter of Delta Zeta and rock climbed with the girls toboost our Greek communication. The chapter wona $500 co-sponsorship through the campus for

school spirit at our annual Pack the Stands Nightfor basketball. We sang on the UMSL radio station

to spread music and advertise ourAmerican Music Recital. For ourMMM, we revisited RankenJordan Hospital. At the beginningof the semester we were asked tosing the National Anthem for thestart of Relay for Life. Finally, weended our semester by honoring a

fallen brother from our faculty Dr. Fred R.Willman, Gamma Xi (Morningside College) ’61, bysinging Night Shadows Falling for the whole musicdepartment. He made a selfless contribution tomusic education that will never be forgotten.

Sigma Gamma Chapter Kutztown University • Kutztown, Pennsylvania

It has been a very busy and successful year for the chapter. Inthe fall of 2012, we initiated our Delta class which had 11 newbrothers , hosted an All American Music recital (which includedperformances by brothers, KU Bear Voices, and other ensembles),and also attended various chapterRituals. We had our Mills MusicMission at a new location, and had avery successful social with the othernational music fraternities atKutztown University.

The spring of 2013 was a time for change for the chapter. Weelected a new President, initiated our Epsilon class, which consistsof eight new brothers, brightened the days of the residents at theKutztown Manor with the MMM, had a successful concert with

many performances by our very talentedbrothers and a performance from the KUAfrican Percussion Ensemble lead by ouracademic advisor, and had a successfulbake sale to support the chapter.

9Page

Alpha Upsilon Colony University of Arizona • Tucson, Arizona

The colony has been very active since its acceptance intoPhase I of the colony process. In October of 2012, we hosted amasquerade party with our sister chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota.This was a great success and brought people from all walks oflife together to celebrate our brotherhood. This was a greatopportunity for our colony and the active chapter of SAI tointeract with one another and to develop camaraderie amongmusical students. At this event, was our very first public sere-nade. The SAI girls were surprised and delighted to hear ourboys sing their hearts out in honor of their sisterhood.

Music has been central to our activities on campus, includ-ing a campus-wide serenade where any girl walking on campuswas treated to a barber shop performance of “Serenade to aGirl”. In addition to these unexpected and delightful campuspresentations of song, we have produced and performed twofull recitals. Our first recital, in honor of our favorite com-

posers, was a great success and included many holiday favoritesthat were real crowd pleasers. The second recital was presentedin honor of American composers and American music. Thisconcert included a world premiere of Grant Jahn’s Sonata forSolo Clarinet. Mr. Jahn is a composition student at theUniversity of Arizona and is big fan of all the traditionalAmerican tunes that Sinfonians have come to love. “Myfavorite is ‘I’ve Been Working on the Railroad’, we have jazzedit up and it really gets the audience going!” said Jahn, “I amalso really excited about the opportunity to present my latestcomposition with men who share my love of music.”

Community service is also central to our contributions. InFebruary the colony hosted a canned food drive where collec-tions where donated to the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen in thename of the School of Music.

Florida Iota Colony Edward Waters College • Jacksonville, Florida

On February 20, 2012, the colony of personally experi-enced the elevation of the human spirit that is made possibleby a Mills Music Mission, and it was life changing. The timewe spent, the songs we sang, and the stories that are sharedamongst the elderly, uplifted their spirits and impacted theirlife. To know this gave us an overjoyed feeling and sense ofpride. We arrived to the Nursing Center in time for a game ofBINGO. As soon as we entered, faces lit up with excitement.We could tell that everyone was happy we came. At first weintroduced ourselves, and while playing BINGO we interactedand got to know the patients a little better.

After the game was over and we had exchanged laughs andsmiles, we gathered around and began to sing. My personalfavorite song was “You Tell Me Your Dream.” The movementof the baritones in the last measure of the song moved me, andit was at that moment, that bright smiles, hand claps, and

cheer illuminated the room. There is no doubt that the peopleat that Nursing Center appreciated our visit and even more ourwillingness to make time for them. The experience was fun andwe were told to come back again anytime!

In conclusion, I can honestly say that the Mills MusicMission is not just about singing a song or two for elderly peo-ple and saying you did something good. I believe that theMission is about being humble and allowing your gifts and tal-ents change lives. The reward we received wasn’t monetary norwas it physical, it was psychological and spiritual. Someone wastouched by our gifts and acts of kindness, so at the end of theday, it was a job well done.

by Mack E. Anderson Jr., Florida Iota Historian

Beta Nu Chapter University of Northern Iowa • Cedar Falls, Iowa

The chapter has experienced amazing growth in thepast three years, with strength in numbers and brotherhood.With 47 members, we are able to accomplish more thanwhat we would have just a few years prior.

The largest event that the chapter holds is the annualTallcorn Jazz Festival, in conjunction with the SinfonianDimensions in Jazz concert. Tallcorn, which is entirely runby Sinfonians, brings in over 35 bands from across Iowa andthe Midwest to compete in four classes. The winner of eachclass qualifies for a spot in the Iowa Jazz Championships.The Sinfonian Dimensions in Jazz Concert featured theUNI Jazz Panthers under the direction of Dr. RobertWashut, Beta Nu ’83 and UNI Jazz Band One, under the

direction of Chris Merz, Iota Gamma ’82. Beta Nu was for-tunate enough to bring in critically acclaimed saxophonistPeter Apfelbaum to play with Jazz Band One as a guestartist.

This year marks the inaugural Practice-a-Thon atNorthern Iowa. Phi Mu Alpha is teaming up with SigmaAlpha Iota, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma for a car-bon-copy of the event held by our brothers at the AlphaBeta chapter. This will be the second event of the year thatall four of our music organizations will be working together.

The Beta Nu chapter is happy to have JordanLeckband, Beta Nu ’10, elected as the Collegiate ProvinceRepresentative for Province 26 for 2013.

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By John Israel, Pi Zeta (Lindenwood) ’01,Province Governors’ Council Chair

The Province Governors’ Councilassembled during the month of July atLyrecrest for the 2013 Province GovernorsConvocation. During this event, we hadseveral Province Governors and DeputyProvince Governors present from across thenation in Evansville to meet as a Council,

discuss several topics, including the chapter citation program, riskmanagement, and event planning. The convocation gave severalnational officers and staff the opportunity to update the Councilon the progress of the Fraternity.

The Governors had an opportunity to hear about thefundraising efforts for the new Sinfonia Education and RetreatCenter (SERC), while also hearing about the progress the SinfoniaEducational Foundation is making. In other presentations, ourCouncil was able to learn more about the new partnerships andefforts the Fraternity is making in the area of music advocacy.President Mongiovi was in attendance and gave updates to theCouncil on the national programs and initiatives of the Fraternity.This four-day event was able to provide the Council with muchinformation and gave the governors the opportunity to share ideas

with each other, developing new ideas to grow and strengthen ourprovinces and chapters. On Friday night of the convocation, theCouncil presented the Initiation Ritual to all of our new ProvinceGovernors and Deputy Province Governors. We also held a newgovernor roundtable and President Mongiovi was able to officiallyinstall all of our new governors. The Council was very excited towelcome and meet all of our new Province Governors and DeputyProvince Governors. During the last day of the convocation, theCouncil adopted three resolutions that will be presented to theNational Executive Committee, which included the topics of thechapter citation program, province workshop reimbursement, andpaying multiple semesters of per capita tax in order to obtainalumni status.

The Governors were able to share and receive a lot of infor-mation from the presenters and each other during the event. Asidefrom the presentations, discussion sessions, and scheduled events,each Governor was able to spend a great deal of time in conversa-tions and camaraderie during the event. This provided the oppor-tunity for Governors to share ideas and experiences, while also giv-ing the chance for brotherhood bonding amongst the Council.This event recharged and energized everyone in attendance asalways and has helped each Governor prepare for the upcoming2013-2014 school year.

Province Governor Convocation

New Appointments Highlight Summer

Several provinces have had new Province Governors or Deputy Province Governors appointed in recent months. Please join us in welcoming our new province leaders!

Province Governors

Province 3: Ryan Beeler, Eta-Omicron ’05Province 36: Wesley Babcock, Zeta Gamma ’01

Deputy Province Governors

Province 1: Jonathan Price, Eta-Omicron ’05Province 2: David Friday, Beta Iota ’02Province 20: Keith Dublin, Zeta Psi ’05

Province 25: Jeremy Quave, Lambda Xi ’03Province 28: Brent Cunningham, Delta Lambda ’04

Province 30: Rashad Anderson, Nu Iota ’09

Page 11

Organizational InformationChapters: 246Colonies: 6Theta Eta (Wright State University)Xi Sigma (Bethel College)Pennsylvania Gamma (Moravian College)Alabama Epsilon (University of Alabama atBirmingham)Alpha Upsilon (University of Arizona)Florida Iota (Edward Waters College)

Alumni Associations: 19Collegiate members in Good Standing 6,289Collegiate members on Suspension 804Collegiate members (total) 7,093Percentage of total collegiate suspensions 11.34%Total amount of outstandingper capita tax owed to Sinfonia $118,433

Publication InformationThe Red & Black is published as an informational

newsletter for the Fraternity’s chapters, colonies, faculty advi-sors, governors, committeemen, and national officers.

The Red & Black is printed bimonthly, September to April.Photographs and articles from your chapter are highly encour-aged for upcoming issues of The Red & Black. Please send thearticles and photographs to [email protected].

Editor/Layout: Mark A. Wilson, Delta Eta ’03

Lyrecrest Staff:Executive Director Ed Klint, Alpha Xi ’78

[email protected] Ext. 108Director of Mark D Helmstetter, Theta Upsilon ’03Programs [email protected] Ext. 102

Director of Mark A. Wilson, Delta Eta ’03Communications [email protected] Ext. 104

Retreat Coordinator Garrett Lefkowitz, Beta Iota ’08& Programs Associate [email protected] Ext. 103

Controller Mary J. [email protected] Ext. 105

Administrative Kimberly J. DailyCoordinator [email protected] Ext. 100

Administrative Elizabeth A. RaderAssisstant [email protected] Ext. 101

News From Headquarters

Burrell AnniversaryMarch 22, 2014 will mark the 50th anniversary of thedeath of Brother Percy Jewett Burrell (Alpha), and the10th anniversary of the Fraternity’s placement of a com-memorative marker at Burrell’s gravesite in Watertown,MA. More information will be forthcoming as plans tomark this anniversary and honor Brother Burrell’s signifi-cant and lasting contributions to Sinfonia are developedand finalized. Mark your calendars, brothers, and expectfurther announcements in upcoming publications.

Coda Campaign

The Fraternity’s Founder’s Day – October 6 – is an idealopportunity to honor Sinfonia’s history. We’d like your chap-ter to take part in a Mills Music Mission on or aroundFounder’s Day to honor Father Mills and his vision.

And if you celebrate Founder’s Day, either through a MillsMusic Mission or other activity, please let us know about it!We may be able to direct other local alumni to you or yourgroup, or highlight your efforts in a publication.

The Sinfonia Educational Foundation’s CodaCampaign is returning this October! Watch the web-site and Facebook page for new and announcementson how you can help contribute to Sinfonia’s legacy.

Founder’s Day

Conference Call Series

The Sinfonia Conference Call Series kicks off thisSeptember, with new topics relevant to Sinfonians.Visit www.sinfonia.org/sccs for details!

DeadlinesChapter Reports - October 15, 2013T-shirt Design Competition - April 1, 2014American Music Challenge - May 31, 2014Composition Contest - July 1, 2014

Make sure your chapter officers areaware of these items and sharing them

with the chapter!

Back to School Sale!“Harmony” Wristband – Was $2.50, Now $1.00

Three Ring Binder – Was $9.65, Now $7.00

Reference Manual – Was $34.00, Now $25.00

Centennial History – Was $25.00, Now $20.00

Coat of Arms Poster – Was $6.00, Now $4.00Chunky Notebook – Was $3.50, Now $3.00

Choir Folder – Was $20.00, Now $15.00

Dozens of other items marked down! All patches and decals marked down! All chapter recruitment supplies

marked down!

Have an idea for the store? Let us know at [email protected]